Together with the rest of the world, I have watched what has (not) happened in the USA with regards to these disasters, and how it (but just maybe) can be related to the lack of standardization/communication in our industry. Some time ago, I attended a seminar on warehousing by Bill Inmon (I like to stay informed on all strange sorts of thinking), and he pointed out a very interesting explanation: If I understood it right, in his opinion, governmental/state systems operate like islands: There is no data exchange to speak of between them. What was far more interesting, was that this could be related to the political system: Most people are elected for a fixed period: They do not want to: 1) Start systems development that won't be finished before their term is at end (Others will claim the benefits and political points) 2) Spend money on less popular activities that do not show any practical use (until a disaster (maybe) happens years later). In addition, different organizations (FBI, CIA, whatever) compete for funds, and won't share information in fear of losing competitive edge (and thereby funding) That was what he meant as the reasons for having stove-pipe systems, at least as I understood it: Producing smoke all alone. When I read that helicopers were sent out to "see what you can do", obviously someone didn't know what they were doing/didn't have information enough to do it right. Actually, it looks as noone knew what they should do for several days. Lack of information? But then again, this scenario was predicted years ago, given the right conditions. So I don't think so. And everybody knew that this time, the right conditions were on their way. As for 9/11, as I understand it from the press, all information needed to stop the disaster was at hand, but information was on several stove-pipe systems (not shared). Obviously, USA needs to initiate a large integration and information sharing project. While I'm at it: What puzzles me, is that US soldiers were flown in with the order to shoot to kill (looters). What kind of priority is that? After the tsunami, everybody was helping each other as best they could. This time, it is more important to bring in firepower than food and water... Is it a cultural thing? Let those looters have a TV or ten pairs of Adidas shoes, water damaged as they possibly were, anyway. Deal with them later. Besides: I suspect much of the looting was actually a desperate search for food, water and medicine, whether they were black OR white: Was it not more important to bring in food, water and medicine, as well as fly out people? And now the rest of the world comes to the aid: Afghanistan: 100.000 USD Sri Lanka: 25.000 USD Cuba: Ships and personell India and Iran have announced their services. EU, NATO and others have been asked for help and are coming to the rescue. Most strange was that USA asked Norway for 1.5 million USD and 5 frogmen. That's some pocket money and 5 guys who have never seen a shark... The more this tragic story unfolds, the stranger it looks. And I am having this feeling: They really do not know what to do, or how to do it. I also know, I really do, that the computer/SW industry could have been a great help (if initiated in the past, of course), if it was not for the preventing points listed above. It is quite sad to observe such incompetence and lack of coordinated information in the country that is leading our industry: The information industry... See you soon, Alf My database design site